Page 19 of Summer in Kentbury
Grandma prepares a box of freshly baked goods including croissants—butter, almond, and chocolate. “There, now remember to be good to that girl,” she says, handing me the box with a pointed look.
I salute her before grabbing the box. “Thanks, Grandma. You’re the best.”
I stop by the café where I buy myself a black coffee and then three different drinks for Lavender since I don’t know what she prefers. With the pastries and drinks securely in hand, I make my way back to the B&B. As I enter the dining area, I spot Lavender about to prepare herself some coffee, her hair tousled from sleep and a soft yawn escaping her lips.
“Good morning, Lavender,” I greet, my voice casual as I approach her table, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Before you make that tea, why don’t you try one of these?”
She points at the drink carrier, her eyebrows raised in curiosity. “And what is that?”
“Chamomile tea, hot chocolate, and a latte,” I explain, setting the drinks down on the table.
She thinks for a moment, her fingers tappingagainst her chin before a smile blooms on her face and she reaches for the hot chocolate. “Three?”
“I didn’t know what you preferred, so I brought the three drinks I’ve seen you enjoy during our conversations,” I admit, shrugging my shoulders.
“That’s really thoughtful, Sinclair. Thank you,” she says, her voice warm with appreciation.
“Or if you prefer, you can have my black coffee,” I add, holding up my own cup.
She smiles, opening the box of pastries. Her gaze lingers on the croissants before settling on the drinks, a soft sigh of contentment escaping her lips. “This is really perfect. Thank you.”
“But what is it that you drink in the morning?” I ask, leaning forward slightly.
“Usually, green tea—matcha,” she responds, her fingers wrapped around the hot chocolate. “Though, I’ll take anything that’s available. I’m not really picky about it.”
“Matcha, got it,” I say, making a mental note.
“You don’t need to remember that,” she says, waving her hand dismissively.
“Oh, but I do if I plan on being your friend,” I say, letting a slow, knowing smile spread across my face as I lean in slightly, my eyes locked on hers with playful intent.
“Friends don’t flirt,” she chides, her eyes narrowing playfully.
“Not even a little?” I ask suggestively, wiggling my eyebrows.
“Not at all.”
I rub the back of my neck, feeling a twinge of disappointment. “I feel like you’re friendzoning me.”
“Isn’t that the point of this exercise?” she asks, taking a sip of her hot chocolate. “That we become friends.”
“Probably,” I admit, but somehow I don’t like it much. Maybe I need to rethink this process, don’t I?
As Lavender takes a bite of the warm croissant, a soft moan escapes her lips, her eyes fluttering closed in pure bliss. The sound sends a shiver down my spine, and I find myself staring, unable to look away. What is this woman doing to me?
And how am I supposed to keep my hands away from her while I get to know her? How is that supposed to work out? I wonder, my mind racing with thoughts of pulling her close and tasting the sweetness of the chocolate on her lips.
Chapter Ten
Lavender: Tell me it’s not true . . . you left?
Sin: It’s complicated.
Lavender: You left. What happened to two weeks? You lost the challenge.
Sin: I did not.
Lavender: I’m pretty sure that you forfeited the moment you left.
